Fort Worth weekly gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-10-28
GAZETTE WORTH TEXAS FRIDAY OCTOBER g.
must 60 personally and see into this-see
that acoundrel after aIl -


that scoundrel after aIl."
Some peculiar emotion OF pride pre-
vented the vicar from naturally maxim
any inquiry OF Sir Frisco Brayhrook
about the character or movements CT hi
nephew, the recreant Husssr; and beiD
full, perhaps, of his own affairs, engage
ments and amusements, the vicar neve
spoke on the subject of Amy's engage
ment, ii, indeed, he knew much about it
and though not extraordinarily meek, DR.
Brendon shrank from the taunt Of heVin.
perhaps attempted to entrap his patron
nephew.
CHAPTER XXvTI.-PREsSURE.
In the accounts of the troops detailed
for the Burmese Expedition. Melaine
could fad no trace of Lonsdale's name
but then, in rank he was only q unit in
such force; and it never occurred 20 he1
to examine an Army List. Indeed, she
could not have got one nearer than the
library at Ravensbourne Hall, the last
place where she would have ventured to
seek it; so she could but marvel over his
silence, till her heart grew sick and her
brain grew weary.
There seemed but two solutions-death
or infidelity.
Yet she shrsnk in her soul from accept
ing either. Lonsdale feith'ess? On no,
While life remained she was sure he
would be true to her; and if dead-oh no,
not that-Grest Heaven
The light Of blessed hope still burned
in the sad heart Of the girl.
But now cruel and systematic pressure
Was put upon her by Uncle Grimshaw,
In m hn in oh
removal OF her brother Reginald, whom
Ct the Queens bad bargains"
"KnoWing Reggie's miserable story IS
you dc, and how he is martyr to cir
cumst6nces," she said with flashing eyes,
and with difficulty restraining her tesrs,
chow can you be SO rude-so unjust,
uncle?"
"Do not mind him, DEAR" said Reggie,
gently. "The sooner we part the better.
As sure as Mother Carey's chickens
bring the breeze it will come to that in
the end"
'T an glad you are fully prepared,
young man, as your sister declines to aid
me in your support" remarked Uncle
GrimshaW, with malicious twinkle in
his white-lashed eyes; and he somewhat
ostentStiously pursued his examination
of certain advertisements of ga House for
Cripples," "A Home for Incursbles,"
san Orthop9dic Hospital" and so forth,
filing the heart Of Melanie with shame,
grief and indignation.
"It shall never come to that, Reggie"
SAID she, with an arm round his neck. 81
will take situation OF some kind; l
shall work for yOu-Work my fingers to
the bone, rather than this result should
be-tnis cruel outrage come to pass"
"And are you to think of such a thing,
Melanie, while lie Idly here, unable to
assist or protect your" exclaimed Reggie,
writing on his couch. 81 would rather
be sent from grating to leeWard, with 3
couple of cold shot at my heels. The
very idea makes me miserable"
"And what would you two poor boys
do without me?" was the girls next anx
ious thought. "Who would see to your
meals, your socke, your clothes, and all
that sort Of thing?"
"To escape this horrible marriage,
which Is always thrust upon NE, would
do anything, dear DR.. Brendon," said
Melanie, when she appealed to the rector;
"auything to preserve my-my truth to
Montague, and save Reggie from al in-
suit that is enough to make our parents
bones turn in their graves. l have rot
been taught TO do any useful thing. l
might be lady's maid, but who would
take me?h
SAY, who, indeed?" snarled Uncle
1rimshaw. "However, if you do not
meet nv views and Sir Brisco's generous
offers, Reggie goes straight to hospital,
Dick in some capacity to the city, and
then shall be rid OF you all"
Aud Uncle Grimshaw turned away as il
he felt what someone terms Gall the calm
comfort resulting from undisturbed graft
fcation and On approving conscience"
81 can surely be telegrsphist, if I
learn" said poor Mel&nie, scarcely know
ing what she talked about; "or something
or other, if I alter my hair, do away with
my fringe, and wear alpaca"
"Why so humber" asked Reggie.
"Because governessing, fear, is out
OF the question with such IS am noW-a-
days. am not a Girton girl, and have
neither medals nor certificates"
"Nonsense, Mel≰ you must not
speak thus" said the luckiess Reggie,
while his heart swelled with many pain
full emotions. "Chained here-chained
and helpless-after all; and all hope to
be!n moaned Reggie, almost Wringing his
wasted hands, while glare short from
his unnaturally bright eyes.
"When Montague comes home, it may
be 700 late to do what wish for you,
darling Reggie" said his sister, as she
seated herself on hassock by his couch
and tWined her arTs round him; $50,
meantime, something must be done. l
shall get situation as companion per-
beps. though, Of conrse, Aunt Chilling
ton won't assist me; and then get an
other doctor for you. Fifty pounds or so
Uncle Grimshaw has had; and, mean
while, no time shall be lost. I may bring
some sunshine into your life yet,
Reggie"
He smiled fondly and sadly.
"My dearest Melanie, cannot think OF
your stopping to toll and humiliation for
me-"
"But think of that threatened other
degradation-a hospital for you, my
brave brother; Talbot, too"
"Who will help your plans-not uncle,
not Aunt Chillirgton?" said Reggie,
YEARLY.
"Of course not; but [ shall ask every
one know to aid me-" replied Melsnie,
cheerfullY There wss kind OF relief in
talking about it. "Good Mrs. Brendon,
am sure, will do her utmost"
SIT is beastly shame, your having
even to think about it," said Dick; "out
wherever you go, Melanie, l hope you
will be treated as lady"
NOf course I shall be treated es g